Accreditation

Accreditation is essentially an academic seal of approval. When an institution is accredited, it means their programs meet certain academic quality criteria.

The United States Department of Education recognizes non-governmental agencies that focus on regional or national accreditation. These agencies determine standards that ensure accredited colleges are providing a quality education. Colleges and universities request an evaluation from these agencies and, if they meet the criteria, those schools become accredited. West Virginia schools such as WVU and WVU Tech are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

In addition to institutional accreditation, there are specialized agencies that accredit specific programs. AT WVU Tech, engineering and engineering technology programs are separately accredited by ABET while the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education specifically accredits the school’s nursing programs.

Selecting an accredited program ensures that students receive quality instruction, can transfer credits between schools and can get the financial aid they need.

Higher Learning Commission

ABET

All five of WVU Tech’s engineering programs, WVU Tech’s computer science program and three of WVU Tech’s engineering technology programs are ABET-accredited. ABET accreditation applies to specific academic programs, not colleges or schools.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Offered through the WVU School of Nursing, WVU Tech’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE is the sole accrediting agency for baccalaureate and higher degree programs.